Fenton Art Glass History


The Fenton Art Glass Company was founded in 1905 in an old glass factory in Martins Ferry, Ohio.  Originally  they painted glass blanks from other glass makers, but started making their own glass when they were unable to buy the glass they needed.  They moved across the Ohio river to Williamstown, West Virginia and built a factory in 1906.  The first year for glass production was 1907.

Towards the end of 1907, the Fenton brothers were the first to introduce carnival glass, which would later become a popular collector’s item. During the great depression and World War 11, Fenton produced practical items such as mixing bowls and tableware due to shortages. They continued creating new colors and they produced perfume bottles for the Wrisley Co. in 1938.  The bottles were made in French Opalescent glass with the hobnail pattern.

In 1939 Fenton started selling Hobnail items in milk glass. This would become the top-selling line and allowed the Fenton company to expand.

Over the next thirty years, they continued to expand Fenton Art Glass, despite  a large number of glass factories closing down.

Fenton is the largest manufacturer of handmade colored glass in the United States. It is managed by the third and fourth generations of the Fenton family,  and is still located in Williamstown, West Virginia, USA.

Beautiful pieces of Fenton Glassware.